7 reasons why you should join your local library

I was a little slow on the uptake with joining our local library.  Now when I say “local” library – it is in fact 5 hours from our house, but none the less it is our local.  Mount Isa City Library.

I am here to tell you why you should be way smarter than me and join your library today, or next time you are in town.  I really can’t believe it has taken me so long.  So, lets get to it…

1. Free Books

Obviously… der.  Of course.  Why oh why have we been spending $29.99 per book when we could just get it free from our local library.  Sure, there is the convenience factor if you are sitting in an airport needing a good book.  Libraries have all the latest books, and you know what – if they don’t have the book you are after they will get it in for you.  Just give them a call.  They are really quite friendly and super helpful.

2. Free Audiobooks

Why have I been paying $14.95 per month with Audible all these years when I could have been downloading my books for FREE using my library card.  I don’t even have to leave home.  I kid you not people.  I just downloaded my very first Audiobook using Borrow Box.  This is the app you need to borrow your audiobooks for free through the library.

It is so bloody easy it isn’t even funny.  Again: why has it taken me so long?  All I did was download the Borrow Box App onto my phone, signed in using my Library card barcode and passcode ID and I was in like Flynn.  Bam – thank you very much, yes I would like to borrow Truly Madly Guilty by Liane Moriarty.  Oh and yes, how kind of you to loan it to me for FREE!

And check out these cool little gadgets you can also get to listen to your audiobooks…

They are called PlayAway and would be so great for the kids.  They are like their own little iPod.  You just pop some earphones in and away you go.

Of course you can also get the good old fashioned talking books – cd’s, but come on – it is 2016, get with the program people.

Now, after having a little “search” through Borrow Box it appears that they don’t have a huge range, but still – the book you are after may well be there.  Perhaps I won’t be cancelling my Audible Subscription after all.  But will definitely be looking at Borrow Box as my first stop from now on.

3. Free DVD’s

Yep, there are even DVD’s that you can borrow.  The kids will love you.  There are also movies for the grown ups too.

4. Toy Library

Now I am not sure if all Libraries have this, but the Mount Isa City Library certainly does.  You can borrow all sorts of things – toys, puzzles, games.  So much stuff.  I have already borrowed some puzzles and the kids absolutely loved them.

The library here has certain times when the toy library is open meaning there are only certain times when you can borrow these things.

They also have lots of different things happening for the little people – story reading, playgroup sessions.  Just check with your local library to see what is on offer.  So great if you find yourself with time to kill and bored toddlers.  A lovely clean, cool environment to hang out.  Why didn’t I use this place when I had young kids.  Bloody hell.  I should really start listening to my friend – Di – when she tells me how great things are.  She did tell me about the library years and years ago, when our kids were little and I just thought ….”yeah, whatever….” .  Turns out she was onto something.

5. Free Space to Work

Need somewhere to get some work done in peace?  Look no further than your local library.  The fridge is not there to distract you, no washing to put on the line, no kids to interrupt and the Air Conditioning is second to none my friends.

As I type this I am sitting in our local library.  You really do have no excuse other than work when you are in the Library.  It is a really great chance to catch up on things.

You can even use their computers.  There are loads of them.  There are also photocopying machines.

Hot tip: rug up, I am a little cold sitting here.

6. Free Wi-Fi

They have free Wi-Fi here.  How cool is that.  And it is fast.  I just downloaded my very first Audiobook through Borrow Box using the Libraries Wi-Fi.  It was about 700mb and didn’t take long at all.  I am hooked into their Wi-Fi as I type this blog post too.  It is unreal.  Thanks Library – so kind of you to give me internet for free.

7. Free Postage

Now because we are “country” members we get a few added extras.  We are able to keep our books for longer – 6 weeks.  We just have to get them back somehow, either ask someone to pop them in the little slot outside the library or post them back.

If you want some books sent out to you just contact your library and tell them what you want and they will post it out – FOR FREE!  No kidding.

So there you have it.  Why wouldn’t you join the library.  Why?

Oh and get this… I think the kids can even play video games.  See…

These two guys are sitting here playing some sort of footy game.  Wouldn’t the kids just love that.  There are so many nooks and crannies where you can park up and work.  It is just wonderful.

So tell me.  Are you a member of your library?  
Are you heading out right now to join?